When it comes to choosing the best cat tree, real wood is a solid option—in all senses. Wood is sturdy, reliable, and long-lasting, and of course, these are all characteristics you want from your new cat tree. Spending a little more to find the best quality wood makes a world of difference, ensuring you won’t find yourself splashing out for a new cat tree sooner than you expected. It’ll withstand your cats’ rough-and-tumble play, jumping, and scratches; not to mention, a real wood cat tree offers heaps of chic style to your space, showing your guests you only pick the best. So, if you’re replacing your old cat tree or jungle gym, or buying one for the first time, we’ve got you covered with the best real wood cat trees here. Read on and check them out—we’ve got options for all styles and budgets.
Best Real Wood Cat Tree to Consider
Type of Wood
With plywood and MDF on the cheaper end and maple and cedar on the fancier end of the spectrum, there are heaps of wood types available for your cat tree. In short, it comes down to what you’re willing to spend: maple and cedar are both strong, durable, and attractive options, while MDF will give you plenty of bang for your buck but may not last as long. Be aware that pine wood can be toxic to cats, so avoid this at all costs.
Size
Cat trees come in an endless number of sizes, and the best size for you varies on a) how many cats you have and b) your available space. Our rule of thumb is to ensure your cat tree has (at least) one sleeping spot or platform per cat plus a scratching post for those talons.
Budget
You can spend as much or as little as you like on a good cat tree, with options starting from under $100 and going all the way up to $300 to $400. Generally speaking, you get what you pay for, and the price will usually reflect the durability and quality of the wood. We’ve included a variety of options in our guide, so you should be able to find the best cat tree within your budget.
Extra Features
When it comes to cat trees, you can go for a simple design or pick one with all the bells and whistles. By this, we mean hanging toys, cat condos for cozy naps, and extra-plush covers and cushions. If you’re trying out a cat tree for the first time, you can start with a more basic option and invest in something more elaborate when you know your cats have taken to it.
Wooden Cat Tree Tower
By Tucker Murphy, this cat tree is beautifully crafted with a natural tree branch. So, you’ll get a charmingly rustic piece of home decor alongside offering your cat a comfy place to snooze. It’s got three levels, not including the base which features a cozy cat condo they can hide away in. Covered with plush faux fur, your cat won’t know what they did to deserve this awesome new play and nap area, that’s for sure. There’s even a cheeky hanging cat toy to play with when your feline gets bored of napping.
Pros:
- Real wood with unique branch design
- 3 platforms with a bottom cat condo for naps
- Hanging toy
- Great quality
Cons:
- Can’t replace parts
Armarkat Real Wood Cat Tree
Bursting with plenty of platforms and a cubbyhole for your cat to explore, this large wooden cat tree offers plenty of scope for peaceful naps and entertaining playtime. Suitable for 2 to 3 cats, this multi-level cat tree measures up at a substantial 78 inches, so your cats can enjoy a nice view of their space from up high, too.
We particularly like the upper cat bed and hanging ball toy, giving your cats comfy spots to snooze, while encouraging them to stay active by making the climb to bat that toy. There are several sisal-covered scratching posts to tempt them away from your couch, too.
Pros:
- Large enough for a few cats or kittens
- 6 levels in total
- Hanging toy
- Built-in cubbyhole
- Reasonable price tag for the size
Cons:
- Not the most stylish
Tucker Murphy Wood Cat Tree
Cheap yet nicely stylish, this real wood cat tree is a great addition to your living space, and one that your cats are sure to fall head over heels for. Boasting five levels in total (including the base), this cat tree provides lots of vertical space for your cats to jump, climb, and explore. In fact, it measures up at a towering 51 inches, which offers plenty of scope to stretch and jump.
We love the plush cubbyhole, supplying a cozy spot to get some shut-eye. And, finished with those all-important hanging toys and plenty of sisal-covered scratching posts, you can deter your cats from scratching the living daylights out of your furniture, too.
Pros:
- 51 inches tall
- 5 levels in total
- Cute details
- Well-made and sturdy
- Lots of sisal posts
Cons:
- Best for max 1 or 2 cats
FEANDREA 33.9-Inch MDF Wood Cat Tower
Super stylish and a welcome addition to any thoughtfully-designed interior, this cat tree adds to your home’s aesthetic rather than detracting from it. The high-quality Scottish pinewood looks fresh, rich and rustic, and the gorgeously light shades make this cat tree a real show-stopper.
The second level features a cozy cubbyhole for your cat to retreat, while the top level allows them to observe their kingdom (i.e., the living room). This wooden cat tree pretty much has it all, and you can pick it up for an affordable price, too.
Pros:
- Made with real Scottish pine
- Rustic look
- Cozy cubbyhole
- Great for a single cat
Cons:
- Not a lot of padding here
Prestige Real Wood Cat Tree
Totally covered in soft faux fur and sisal rope to ensure no sharp edges, this Archie & Oscar cat tree is also crafted from sturdy MDF wood to give it a stable feel and a long lifespan. With five levels, including the base, this 43-inch cat tree is spacious enough for multiple kitties to jump, sleep, and play about. Plus, the sisal scratching post means they can sharpen their claws without destroying your armchairs, which is great news for everyone.
This is definitely one of the sturdier options in our guide, yet the price remains nice and affordable; not to mention, you won’t find yourself replacing it anytime soon. We particularly like the calming green and brown color scheme, which will meld seamlessly with all sorts of interior styles.
Pros:
- Covered in faux fur and sisal
- Plenty of levels
- Highly sturdy
- Large enough for multiple cats
- 43 inches high
- Anti-skid base
Cons:
- No cons here
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a wooden cat tree better?
While smaller cats and kittens can get away with a flimsier cat tree, larger and fully-grown adult cats will fare much better with a real wood cat tree. This is because wooden cat trees offer far more stability, durability, and s sturdier base on which to jump, play, and scratch.
What wood is best for cat trees?
Oak, maple, and cedar are the best wood types for cat trees. Sure, they cost a little more than your standard MDF, but they feel far sturdier and are sure to last you for years to come.
Do cats like wooden cat trees?
Cats love cat trees of all types (though wood is certainly the preferred material). Cat trees offer your feline space to jump, play, and scratch, which not only keeps them happy and active, but also saves your furniture from snags and cat-inflicted damage, too.
How do you clean a wooden cat tree?
It’s quick and easy to clean your cat tree, and you should aim to do this every few weeks or so to keep it hygienic for your kitty. First of all, use warm water and soap (not bleach) to wipe down the wooden surfaces. Next, grab a vacuum and use the brush attachment to get rid of any cat hair, dust, and dirt. If your cat tree has removable covers, you can throw these in the laundry, too.
Why are cat trees important?
Cat trees are a fantastic tool for indoor and outdoor cats alike. They provide platforms, resting spots, and a scratching post all-in-one, making a personal playground and chill-out area just for your feline. Cats love to be up high—this is part of their natural instincts to have a good view of their surroundings—so, having a cat tree at home facilitates their yearning to get up and scout the area.
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